If You're Red Lipstick-Averse, Here Are the 12 Best Shades to Try

You know you've reached cult status when you're recognized by shade name alone. Coloured Raine's Cherry Blossom has been a mainstay in YouTube beauty videos forever. The liquid formula dries super fast without drying out your lips and gives you all the attention from strangers passing by.

This is for those who want a subtle red that's not too matte but not too creamy. While it's not completely transfer-proof, it fades down to a stain-like finish. Sounds like a win-win to me. 

Nars packaged this gorgeous fire red in the shape of a crayon for those hard-to-reach spots. Plus, its shape allows the lipstick to double as its own liner, so you can layer multiple shades until you meet your perfect match.

At just $12, The Lip Bar's lipsticks can go toe-to-toe with just about any of their high-end competitors. Cosmo veers more blue-ish than orange, which makes it the perfect shade for deeper skin tones. 

No matter what expert level you fall under, Mented Cosmetics has a red shade for you. Are you Red & Butter, a true red with yellow undertones? The blue-red Red Carpet? Or maybe you prefer your reds are dark as your wine—Red Rover has you covered. 

If there's anyone's red I trust most, it's this one from red lip connoisseur Rihanna. This liquid fire engine-red is universally flattering. Pro tip: Prep your lips with a balm first, as the formula can be a little drying.

Red lipstick was among the very first launches from Chanel Beauty, and no one does it better. This one in particular not only imparts a gorgeous true red hue, but the super matte formula is offset by matcha green tea butter extract, sweet almond oil, sappan wood, and vitamin E to moisturize the lips.

Famously the go-to of Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, this lipstick shade is perfect for when you want to make a powerful statement. 

Everyone's first foray into the world of red lipsticks was the iconic Ruby Woo by Mac Cosmetics. It doesn’t get any more classic than this cult-favorite shade, a matte red with blue-ish undertones that flatter every skin tone. 

Imagine how sophisticated and fancy you'll feel when you swipe on the most iconic red on the market: Dior 999.  

A genius two-step lipstick formula that puts your lip health first. First step: Apply the liquid color and let it dry. Then, lock in moisture by following up with the nourishing balm. Added bonus? The lipstick lasts all day, so no need to worry about it transferring. 

Named after model and Pat McGrath muse Karen Elson, this luxe red is peak elegance. Wear it and instantly feel as glamourous as the lucky models sitting in McGrath's makeup chair backstage at fashion shows.